Both the Seahawks and Panthers look to get back on track after losing last week

Despite how it ended, last year was a storybook season in many ways for the
Carolina Panthers
. They rolled out to a 14-0 start before finishing the 2015 regular season 15-1.
Cam Newton
was named MVP. The Panthers made it all the way to Super Bowl 50 before falling in a defensive battle to the champion
Denver Broncos
.

When did we know that it was time to take the 2015 Panthers seriously? Coming out of a Week 5 bye, the 4-0 Panthers headed into Seattle and dispatched a team that had otherwise been in the midst of building an NFC dynasty. The Panthers scored the winning touchdown with just 32 seconds left in that game to earn a 27-23 win.

Those
Seattle Seahawks
had the opportunity to turn the tables in a divisional-round rematch in Carolina during the playoffs, but came out completely flat and fell behind 31-0 in the first half. Despite a valiant comeback attempt after the break, the Seahawks went home defeated after the 31-24 loss. It marked the first time in three years the Seahawks, champions after the 2013 season, missed the Super Bowl.

At least so far, this year's Seahawks seem much like previous editions, and at 7-3-1, they have a three-game lead in the NFC West and seem likely to win the division title and get back to the playoffs. The Panthers on the other hand have seen things fall apart in 2016, and they sit in last place in the NFC South with a 4-7 record.

Both teams have been dealing with key injuries in recent weeks, but the Seahawks appear to be getting healthier heading into this week's matchup with the Panthers in Seattle. Star safety
Earl Thomas
, pass rusher
Michael Bennett
and center
Justin Britt
all practicing this week after missing last week's 14-5 loss to the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
. For the Panthers, defensive leader
Luke Kuechly
is still sidelined by a concussion and the team's top two centers have been placed on injured reserve.

The Seahawks have the revenge factor after bowing out of last year's playoffs at the hands of the Panthers. Seattle has performed better this year and is healthier. Things could get ugly for the Panthers' offensive line and Newton in this one. Godspeed, gentlemen.

Prisco's Pick

This is a second straight road game for the Panthers, and it's against a good team that is coming off a loss in a tough place to play. Carolina beat the Seahawks in Seattle last year, but not this time.